Cohotate

Greene County Soil & Water
Conservation District

Education Programs

Two views of Environmental Field Station with the Hudson River in the Background

Cohotate Preserve
Greene County Environmental Education Center

In 1990, the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District initiated the development of an environmental education center on the banks of the Hudson River. Utilizing a 52.4 Ac parcel donated to Greene County by the Nature Conservancy in the late 1970s the District drafted a phased development plan and worked to secure grants from a variety of sources. The Preserve provided access to over 3500 linear feet of Hudson River shoreline and the property is characterized by several distinct forest types, tidal wetlands, rolling hills as well as step, incised slopes near the river. In 1996, the District entered into a partnership with Columbia Greene Community College to undertake the development of an Environmental Field Station which could support the colleges programs as well as be used by other environmental education programs. The District coordinated the construction of a 30'x40' structure which contains a lab, classroom and prep space. The building was constructed primarily by GCSWCD, CGCC, Greene County Buildings and Grounds Department, Greene County Highway Department and the Town of Athens Highway Department. Some work, such as the roof system was contracted to private builders

In 1998, the District also constructed a pond and wetland area in the preserve. Located in the upper portion of the property, the pond will increase educational opportunities at the Preserve. The pond also provide increased open space for species diversity.

In late 1999, the GCSWCD submitted a proposal under the Hudson River Estuary Management Program (HREMP) for funding to develop educational programs related to the Hudson River Estuary. If funded, the project will involve several components. The GCSWCD & HREMP will jointly fund a 1/2 time Environmental Educator position with the District. The educator will work on program development and marketing the Cohotate Preserve to schools and other groups. The GCSWCD will work with other agencies and groups with a Hudson river focus, and will develop a brochure which will provide information on the various programs active in the Hudson Valley. The GCSWCD will organize a series of outreach programs for municipal audiences to include elected officials, planning boards and highway departments. The District is also working to have the Cohotate Preserve recognized as a regional education and outreach facility affiliated with the HREMP.